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Weekday Cross Monument, Nottingham

Discover Nottingham’s medieval market heart at the Weekday Cross Monument, a historic symbol of the city’s vibrant trading past and civic life.

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The Weekday Cross Monument in Nottingham marks the historic site of the city’s medieval market cross, a focal point for trade and civic life dating back to before the Norman Conquest. Located in the Lace Market area, this site was once Nottingham’s main marketplace and civic center, hosting daily markets and public gatherings. Though the original cross was demolished in 1804, the monument today commemorates Nottingham’s rich commercial and social heritage.

A brief summary to Weekday Cross Monument

  • 21 High Pavement, Nottingham, GB
  • Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
  • Free
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Local tips

  • Visit in early morning or late afternoon for optimal natural lighting for photography.
  • Combine your visit with a walk through the nearby historic Lace Market district.
  • Check local event schedules as the area often hosts cultural events and markets.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes to explore nearby attractions easily.
  • Stop by local cafes nearby to sample traditional Nottingham dishes after your visit.
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Getting There

  • Bus

    Take the Nottingham City Transport bus numbers 3 or 4 from Upper Pavement towards the city center. The journey takes about 5-10 minutes with frequent service. Alight at the 'Weekday Cross' stop, a short walk from the monument. A single fare costs approximately £1.50.

  • Walking

    From the Lace Market district, walk east along High Pavement for about 5 minutes on mostly flat, paved streets. The route is accessible for most walkers and leads directly to the Weekday Cross Monument at 21 High Pavement.

  • Taxi / Rideshare

    Local taxis or rideshare services can reach Weekday Cross within 5-10 minutes from Nottingham city center, depending on traffic. This option offers door-to-door convenience but may be more costly, typically £5-£10.

Weekday Cross Monument location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about Weekday Cross Monument

Origins of Nottingham’s Ancient Market Hub

Weekday Cross was the heart of Nottingham’s early market life long before the Norman Conquest, when the settlement was known as Snotingaham. This Saxon marketplace was the civic and commercial center where townsfolk gathered for daily trade and public business. The cross itself, a traditional symbol marking market sites, stood prominently here, anchoring the bustling activity that defined medieval Nottingham’s English Borough.

Medieval Civic and Commercial Significance

The area around Weekday Cross was not just a market but also a civic nucleus, hosting Nottingham’s Moot Hall and the town’s original courthouse. It was the site of the bull ring and the domestic trade hub, especially linked to the butchers’ quarter on Fletcher Gate. The market cross symbolized the community’s legal and economic life, with documented mentions dating back to the 16th century. Despite the rise of the French Borough around Peveril’s Castle and the establishment of a Saturday market at Old Market Square, Weekday Cross remained vital for weekday trade for centuries.

Transformation and Legacy Through the Centuries

By the late 18th century, space constraints led to the market’s relocation to the Great Market Place, and the original cross was demolished in 1804. However, the site’s historical importance endures through the present-day monument at 21 High Pavement, which commemorates Nottingham’s medieval market tradition. Nearby landmarks such as the National Justice Museum and Nottingham Contemporary art gallery enrich the area’s cultural landscape, connecting visitors to Nottingham’s layered history.

Architectural and Cultural Context Today

The Weekday Cross Monument stands amidst the Lace Market, an area renowned for its Victorian industrial architecture and vibrant cultural scene. The monument’s location offers a tangible link to Nottingham’s Saxon and medieval past, surrounded by historic buildings and modern cultural institutions. The site invites reflection on the city’s evolution from a fortified Saxon settlement to a thriving medieval market town and beyond.

Engaging with Nottingham’s Market Heritage

Visitors to the Weekday Cross Monument can immerse themselves in the stories of Nottingham’s early commerce and civic life. The monument serves as a gateway to exploring the Lace Market’s rich tapestry of history, from medieval markets to contemporary art. The nearby caves, museums, and historic churches further deepen the experience, making Weekday Cross a compelling destination for history enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike.

Preserving a Symbol of Community and Trade

The Weekday Cross Monument is more than a marker; it symbolizes Nottingham’s enduring spirit of community and commerce. Its presence honors the centuries-old tradition of markets as places of gathering, exchange, and civic identity. As Nottingham continues to grow and change, the monument stands as a reminder of the city’s roots and the vibrant life that once pulsed through its streets.

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